Gary Neville complaints formally raised over Gabriel Martinelli and Conor Bradley verdict

Gary Neville didn't hold back with his comments after Gabriel Martinelli's push on Conor Bradley, but the former Manchester United captain has landed himself in hot water

Gary Neville caused controversy with his comments after Gabriel Martinelli's push on Conor Bradley(Image: Getty Images)

Gary Neville has landed himself in hot water following his angry reaction to Gabriel Martinelli’s push on Conor Bradley earlier this month.

The Arsenal winger was slammed for his reaction after Bradley went down injured during the latter stages of Liverpool’s goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium on New Year’s Day. Despite clearly looking to be in some distress, Martinelli proceeded to throw the ball at the right-back before trying to shove him off the pitch.

That drew an angry response from Liverpool’s players, who confronted Martinelli before Bradley had to be stretchered off the pitch. It has since been confirmed that the defender will miss the rest of the season, having undergone surgery on his knee.

Although a melee between the two sets of players ensued, Neville suggested Liverpool’s players didn’t go far enough with their reaction to Martinelli.

“You can’t push him off the pitch. You cannot do that, you idiot,” Neville began while on commentary for Sky Sports.

“That’s so poor. I’m surprised the Liverpool players haven’t gone over and had a right pop at him. I think an apology is needed.”

Neville continued: “He’s stretchered off Conor Bradley, and it’s a sad sight. Someone who’s had injuries, he’s got his hands over his face.

Liverpool players reacted angrily after Gabriel Martinelli pushed Conor Bradley(Image: Getty Images)

“I’m actually fuming with Martinelli, honestly, I don’t know how the Liverpool players didn’t go over and absolutely whack him. Take a red card, absolutely disgraceful that.”

Neville’s comments have proved controversial, with some, including Piers Morgan, demanding that he apologize himself to Martinelli.

Now, the Daily Mail reports that 576 complaints have been made about Neville’s comments to UK regulator Ofcom, making it the most complained about television moment so far this year.

Martinelli did go on to apologize to Bradley, as Neville suggested, with the Arsenal star having insisted he didn’t realize the severity of the defender’s injury.

"Conor and I have messaged and I've already apologized to him," Martinelli announced in an Instagram story. "I really didn't understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment.

"I want to say I'm deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery."

Bradley confirmed on Wednesday that he has undergone surgery in his first post on social media since the incident. The 22-year-old will now have to wait and see whether he will be able to make it to the World Cup, if Northern Ireland qualifies for this summer’s tournament.